2007 South Sydney Player Awards
15th September 2007
George Piggins FG Best and Fairest - Roy Asotasi
In front of almost 1000 guests at the gala evening the Best and Fairest award was presented by Joyce Churchill, widow of the legendary Clive Churchill, to Rabbitohs co-captain Roy Asotasi tonight won the George Piggins Best and Fairest Award for season 2007. It was one of three awards the New Zealand international won at the South Sydney annual Red and Green Ball and presentation night held at the AJC function centre at Randwick Racecourse Sydney.
Jack Rayner Players Player Of The Year - Roy Asotasi
In his first year at South Sydney since moving across from the Bulldogs Asotasi was also awarded with the Jack Rayner Players' Player. Rabbitohs legend Jack Rayner presented the award named after himself.
Supporters Choice Award - Roy Asotasi
Roy Asotasi made it three awards when he also won the Supporters Choice award voted on by the Members, presented by former South Sydney skipper Mario Fenech. Asotasi was a key figure in the Rabbitohs charge to their first finals appearance since 1989, and as he picked up his award treble he thanked those who helped him to achieve career best form this season. "First of all I have to thank the fans, it?s been a great year," he said. "It would have been hard without you guys, you make us, thanks for your support. I also want to thank the coaching staff for getting us so well prepared for the games each week, and to the boys without you I wouldn?t have this. South Sydney in 2008."
John Sattler Rookie of the Year - Issac Luke
One of the finds of the NRL season young hooker Issac Luke claimed the John Sattler Rookie of the Year award presented by Rabbitohs recruitment manager Mark Hughes. "To all the boys and JT (Jason Taylor) thanks for the season," Luke said.
Albert Clift Award - Russell Snedden
Rabbitohs Refreshment Steward Russell Snedden won the Albert Clift Award for the Most Outstanding Contribution to the Club. "I just want to thank everyone involved with the club," Snedden said on receiving the award presented by South Sydney co-captains Peter Cusack and Roy Asotasi.
Burrow's Player of the Year Award - Paul Mellor
Recent retiree Paul Mellor claimed the Burrow?s Player of the Year award presented by Burrow president Ian Spruce. "This is a huge honour," Mellor said. "This is probably the only award I have ever won. I would like to thank all the supporters, my team mates, the coaching staff and my family. Thank you all very much."
Bob McCarthy Clubman of the Year - Luke Stuart
The Bob McCarthy Clubman of the Year award, presented by head coach Jason Taylor, was won by non-stop forward Luke Stuart. "I really don't know what to say," Stuart said. "I'm a very proud man. I want to thank everyone involved in what has been a great year. I'm really happy about all of this."
Souths Cares Contribution to the Communit Award - Dean Widders
Dean Widders claimed the Souths Cares award for Contributions to the Community. "It's been a great year," Widders said. "I'm really looking forward to next year it's only going to be bigger and better."
North Sydney Bears Premier League Player of the Year - Jardine Bobongie
2007 Presentation night was held at Norths Leagues Club on Wednesday 26 September, Norths players and staff came together to honour their achievements for 2007. The charismatic Jardine Bobongie won the player of the year and supporters' player of the year awards. It was a most deserving award for the hard working utility forward for the Bears.
Ever reliable winger Troy Boston received the best back award. Boston was certainly the Bears most consistent player, finishing off backline movements with faultless reliability. Mid season recruit from the North Queensland Cowboys, Ben Lowe received the best forward award. Lowe made an instant impression with the coaching staff and fellow players with his non stop performances for the team. Ryan Verlinden was announced as the most improved player for the Premier League Bears. Verlinden came on strong towards the latter end of the season, with his towering stature his power was a handful for all opposition teams. The Premier League awards were rounded off with a presentation made to David Peachey in recognition for the massive contribution he has made to the North Sydney club, during his short stint with the club prior to his retirement.